If Congressman Artur Davis is looking for a way to help the City of Demopolis and Marengo County &8212; along with several cities along the Tombigbee River &8212; he can lead the fight to pass a bill that would extend an exemption to Coast Guard regulations that prohibit wooden structures such as the Delta Queen on the river.

This exemption has been in place for more than 40 years, with Congress extending it at least six times.

Several congressmen have fought for this exemption to be extended past November, but notably missing from the list of congressmen who have provided the Delta Queen with the most support are any members of the Alabama delegation.

This directly effects the tourism industry of the Black Belt and Davis&8217; own congressional district. Likewise, Sens. Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions should step up and back this bill as well.

We hope they will save the Delta Queen.